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| The Depth-of-field Zone |
| Is 1/3 in Front of the Subject, |
| And |
| 2/3's Behind the Subject |
There's a rule for depth-of-field that's set in stone:
The depth-of-field zone is 1/3 in front of the subject, and 2/3 behind the subject.
It's incorrect, however.
You'll encounter the rule everywhere.
For example, the myth appeared as fact in a prominent photography magazine in 2004.
When focusing on a deep subject, focus on a point about a third of the way into the picture to maximize depth of field, because the depth-of-field zone behind that point is about twice as deep as the depth-of-field zone in front of it.
Wrong!
Here are two examples from the DOFMaster Online Depth of Field Calculator.
They show how the rule is a myth.
In both examples, the camera is a 35mm film camera with a 50mm lens.
At f/2.8, and focusing on a subject ten feet away from the camera, the depth-of-field zone is:
| Zone In Front of the Subject | Zone Behind the Subject |
| 45% | 55% |
If the myth was true, the percentages should have been 33% and 66%.
At f/16, and focusing on a subject 20 feet from camera, the depth-of-field zone is:
| Zone In Front of the Subject | Zone Behind the Subject |
| 21% | 79% |
Again, if the myth was true, the percentages should have been 33% and 66%.
Don't use the myth.
To continue, use the menu above, or click Next below.
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